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July 24, 2015

Blog Hop: Bit of Luck

I thinkthat we all have those tried and true bits in our collection while others we just steer clear of. Are there any bits that work like magic for your horse?

When I began riding Ypke three years ago, I always rode her in a single jointed eggbutt snaffle. If you have been reading for awhile, you will know that I was a complete beginner when I purchased her (riding for less than two weeks). While my hands were never unsteady to the point of flailing every which way or constantly yanking, they definitely left a lot to be desired. At the time, I never thought about how bits could affect the performance and willingness of an individual horse. A different trainer noticed her constant evasion tactics of chomping, ducking, or being a giraffe and brought up how many horses are bothered by the "nutcracker" effect that single jointed bits can have. He suggested that I look into the Myler Comfort Snaffle line for Ypke. Research mayhem ensued.

Here is the breakdown of my favorite features offered by the dee Comfort Snaffle w/ hooks and copper roller that I chose (and really the comfort snaffles in general):

The sides move independently and are isolated from each other which is especially helpful for a bending cue.

Copper inlay bars

Hooks! Some people say they are for leverage, but I personally think that they are great for keep the reins, cheek peices, and curbchain from sliding around the ring and tangling with each other.

The day I tried this bit was actually the day I began clicker training Ypke. Partnered with each other, the difference in her willingness to work was monumental. Bit evasion used to be constant throughout our rides, but now it only happens every once in awhile on our off days. She does still chomp out of habit, but it is noticeably less severe. Prior to Myler two years ago, I always thought people were exaggerating or bluffing about how a bit completely changed their horse's tune. After I experienced it firsthand, I can testify that the difference was almost magical for Ypke.

Since then, I have only stuck with Myler and am starting a collection. Some of my favorites are...

When I first saw the 3-ring combination I thought it looked scary, but I was wrong. My mom's horse had to be ridden bitless because he HATED bits, as in he refused to open in his mouth and had huge meltdowns. This combination is set up to where it uses nose pressure (like his bitless bridle does) before it goes to the mouth. This bit was the perfect solution for him and now he has 0 tantrums and is quite an easygoing fellow.

I find bits to be wonderfully addictive. I need them all. My horse, on the other hand, goes in a Happy Mouth D Ring with roller pretty happily. I've always wanted to try a Myler but never bit the bullet with their price point. He's got a small mouth and I think he'd like the ones with a port for more tongue relief. That combination bit is an interesting idea as well!

I know, bit collecting is addicting! I have been wanting to see what Happy Mouths are all about. I hear you on the price tag - they definitely aren't pocket change. English Tack Trader is a great resource for Mylers that are gently used or even still new with tags. I picked up that kimberwick (with tags) for $40 as opposed to the new price of $140.

I have the same bit as your first myler. Unfortunately, it does not work any wonders for my mule. She hates it. She hates all bits, but especially this one. I wish it work wonders for us, but hasn't yet. I really do want to get one of those combination bits to try, but they're so expensive.

That's too bad! That is the one thing I don't like about Mylers, they sure are spendy. I usually buy them lightly used from various Facebook groups - you can easily find them for around $50 (even new with tags!) which is quite a bit friendlier than $150.

Have you looked into any bit rental programs? If not, consider looking into Equestrian Collections ($15 rental fee for ANY Myler) or Mary's Tack & Feed ($10 fee for certain Myler, Herm Sprenger, Mikmar, and Stubben bits). There are even more programs offered out there, so they might be worth looking into before you spend a lot of money on a bit that your mule doesn't even like.